Ban rules Lima out of Samoa’s swansong

SAMOA captain Brian Lima’s landmark fifth World Cup was brought to a premature end yesterday when he was banned for three weeks for a high tackle on England’s Jonny Wilkinson in Saturday’s 44-22 defeat.

The ban rules Lima out of Samoa’s final game against the United States in St Etienne on Wednesday when the two sides will be fighting to avoid finishing last and winless in Pool A.

Lima, 35, was penalised and spoken to by the referee after his tackle across the throat of the England fly half but the Judicial Officer (JO) decided that it was worthy of further punishment.

“The JO determined that the reasons for the referee’s decision in awarding a penalty for the offence were wrong and could not accept the explanation of the player that there was no intention to commit a dangerous tackle,” World Cup organisers said in a statement yesterday.

“The tackle was inherently dangerous and the swinging right arm of Brian Lima connected with considerable force on the neck/throat of Jonny Wilkinson.”

The JO ruled that it was “deliberate rather than reckless” but taking Lima’s remorse and “exemplary character” into account, cut the recommended suspension from six to three weeks.

The ban takes to 13 the number of players unavailable for Samoa after a series of injuries and problems.

In Saturday’s game, flanker Daniel Leo broke his wrist, number eight Henry Tuilagi hurt a shoulder and scrumhalf Junior Polu suffered concussion.

All three will miss the final match, as will prop Fosi Palaamo, who is going home early for personal reasons.

Lima is poised to quit international rugby after the World Cup, and although he has 48 hours to appeal the decision, it is improbable a hearing could be convened before Wednesday’s game.